We are seeking an R&D Physical Chemist who will focus on developing apparatus, methods and performing accurate and defensible physical / chemical measurements for a variety of gas phase molecules including newly synthesized, novel molecules. Physical / chemical properties may include, but not limited to, viscosity, thermal conductivity and diffusivity over a wide range of temperature and pressure. This position resides in the Isotope Chemistry Group in the Chemical Sciences Division, Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at ORNL and will support other groups associated with the DOE Isotope Program at ORNL.

As part of our group, you will work with a multi-disciplinary team to advance the science and engineering of isotope enrichment technologies, especially those that depend on feedstock chemicals in the gas phase. The stable isotope portfolio at ORNL involves production and dispensing operations of rare, highly valued, enriched stable isotopic materials that have been separated by various enrichment technologies at ORNL. These materials are dispensed to academic, medical and government researchers pursuing a wide variety of projects of critical importance to the nation.

Develop external collaborations, as appropriate, to leverage a wide array of measurement capabilities

Collaborate with computational modelers and experimentalists to further basic and applied understanding of how changes in the physical properties of a gas impact various processes

Participate in collaborations with other Isotope Program researchers in developing novel stable isotope enrichment technologies and proposals for new projects

Mentor and develop BS and MS level chemical technicians

Present and report research results to sponsor and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner to refine existing published datasets for select chemicals and establish datasets for new compounds

Present results at scientific meetings

Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements

Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Basic Qualifications:

A PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics or a related discipline.

A minimum of 2 years of experience and demonstrated publication record in the measurement of physical / chemical parameters such as viscosity, thermal conductivity and/or diffusivity

The ability to access to technology that is subject to export control requirements without an export control license

The ability to obtain and/or maintain a DOE Q clearance from the Department of Energy

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in handling air and moisture sensitive materials and highly reactive gases

Experience in measurement and calculations of thermodynamic properties

Excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals

Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate to an international, scientific audience

Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory

Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines

Special Requirements:

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license, which requires U.S. Citizenship or LPR (Lawful Permanent Residence).

This position requires that you have the ability to obtain and/or maintain a DOE Q clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Please provide a list of publications when applying for this position. Three letters of reference are required and can be uploaded to your profile or emailed directly to PSDrecruit@ornl.gov. Please include the title of the position in the subject line.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.